Christmas in Italy: Rome to Venice

Arrive at any time. Meet your CEO and fellow travellers at a welcome briefing this evening at the hotel then head out for an optional dinner with the group.

There are no planned activities until tonight's welcome meeting.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before taking public transit to discover the magic of Rome's most iconic Christmas market at Piazza Navona! Built on the site of the 1st century Stadium of Domitian, this ancient site transforms into a colourful paradise boasting merchant stalls selling local handicrafts, toys, and sweets, a classic carousel, and the quintessential Christmas tree. After, walk with your CEO from Navona to Spagna learning the local history of must-see stops along the way.

ACTIVITY: Learn all about a different side of Rome with a newcomer to Italy as your guide with Migrantour, a social enterprise that trains immigrants to give tours of the city - with their own flair. G Adventures travellers receive a unique experience as guides give them rare insight into Italian society through an immigrant's eyes. From ancient landmarks to the history of migration to Rome, expect this to be a guided tour like no other.

FREE TIME: There's so much to see and do in Rome. Take some time to explore as you see fit.

ACTIVITY: There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Depart Rome by train then transfer to the town of Pienza for a visit and for some free time to explore. Continue on to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and enjoy the medieval and renaissance hill town with an orientation walk and a local wine tasting.

Montepulciano is famous for producing delectable local pork, cheese, "Pici" pasta, and honey. It is also major wine producing area. Take in the stunning vistas, wander cobbled lanes, or opt to sample the local delicacies in small, family-run establishments.

Additional Information: Montepeluciano has a charming Christmas market however opening times are variable and it is not active every day. If it is running when the group arrives to town it will be visited after the orientation walk, however this visit cannot be guaranteed.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit Pienza with your CEO, a picturesque town in Tuscany which is a blend of Renaissance architecture and culinary delights. Stroll along Corso Rossellino, the main street, lined with charming shops and cafes.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spend the day in the Italian countryside. The famous wine-producing region is the perfect place for an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a bike ride in the rolling hills.

For those looking to travel further afield, a visit to the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo is a popular option.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore this charming town by foot or bicycle.

Travel to picturesque Siena. After an orientation walk around this medieval city, opt to visit Torre del Mangia, Battistero, il Campo, or the Duomo or to take a "passeggiata" and meet the Sienese locals. Continue on to Florence and enjoy an evening walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for a fantastic panoramic view of the city, walking through the Mercato di Natale Firenze Christmas Market along the way.

The famous "Weihnachtsmarkten" is Florence's iconic Christmas market, located in the heart of the city on Piazza Santa Croce, in front of Basilica de Santa Croce.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Wander through the medieval town of Siena, safely nestled in the heart of Tuscany. Feast your eyes on the gothic architecture while exploring the historic centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Cross through the centre of the city and over the Arno. Climb to the top of the hill and check out the vista over the river from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's worth every step!

ACTIVITY: There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Florence on a guided walking tour this morning. Catch a glimpse of the intricate buildings that make Florence a favourite to travellers the world over, and better understand the rich history and local way of living. With a free afternoon, the choices are endless. Opt to visit the Duomo, David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, medieval Ponte Vecchio, or the Medici Chapels, just to name a handful.

The afternoon is yours to explore. Check out the Mercato Centrale or any number of cafés and trattorias. If you came to shop, start at one end of the city and just keep going. There's beautiful architecture, famous museums, Renaissance art pieces, and charming cobblestone streets everywhere. If you wish to go further afield, take a wine tasting bike tour up to Fiesole and the vineyards of Chianti.

Additional Information: If you wish to visit popular museums like the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, we strongly advise reserving tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for a long time. Advance tickets can be reserved online at https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets and https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/tickets/

ACTIVITY: Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Florence on a guided tour through its iconic streets and landmarks. This immersive experience, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you on a journey through the heart of the Renaissance. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Duomo, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza della Signoria, and stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the city's illustrious past, from its Medici rulers to its world-renowned artists.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy the local specialities on this CEO-led market and food tour. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells, and enjoy every moment.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON There's plenty to see and do in Florence, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the works of the Renaissance masters. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Settle in for the journey to Venice by train this morning and soak in the beautiful scenery along the way. Once at the hotel, take time to relax before heading out on foot for a guided walking tour and immerse yourself in this incredible city's beauty before exploring the local Christmas market. Enjoy a free evening or join the group for an optional dinner at one of your CEO's favourite local spots.

Known as the “City of Canals” or “The Floating City,” Venice is one of Italy’s most famous and picturesque destinations. Between the winding canals connecting San Marco with the Santa Chiara church, the bridge of sighs, and the Doge’s Palace, there are no shortage of photo ops and iconic moments.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

ACTIVITY: Discover iconic Venetian landmarks on a guided walking tour. Revel in the labyrinth like alleyways, charming bridges, and bustling squares, while gondolas glide through serene canals. Enjoy the unique ambiance of this historic city where every corner tells a story.

ACTIVITY: There isn’t really a more festive way to partake in the holiday season than by wandering through wooden stalls of century old Christmas markets. Picture music playing, twinkling lights, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Sip mulled wine while you shop for hand-crafted ornaments or gifts in arguably one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Take advantage of a full free day to experience everything that Venice has to offer including the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets. Explore Venice’s diverse culinary scene with a food tour, take a gondola ride, or wander along canals and through the maze-like streets; pass world-class museums and incredible architecture in all directions. Regroup in the evening for an optional final dinner out with the group.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY There's plenty to see and do in Venice so today is the day to explore.

Depart at any time.